Project RTW

12/05/2021

I can't help but feel it would have been easier on an industrial with a suitable flatbed, but the fit is definitely better now, and apart from my thread being different and having to go over slightly iffy bits where my machine didn't like the TS thread, it's not bad :)

12/05/2021

Taking in some jeans 👖 😌

Graham got some new jeans but (like many men, actually) has the issue of "strong thighs" which means his trousers are always too big in the waist.

I usually use darts to take my own jeans in, but today I thought I'd try adjusting at the side seams. I'll show you the result when I'm done. 😊

09/05/2021

Trying out the flatlock on my overlocker. I learned 2 things:

1. Have the needle and upper looper tension low and the lower looper tension high.
2. Disengage the knife.

19/04/2021

Made a sunhat. ☀️☀️☀️

My old baseball cap didn't really go with my coat, so I made a sun bonnet from some gold denim from (a few years old).

I made the pattern by making a dome-shaped crown and guessing at the brim, then draping it to what I liked.

I added some darts in the brim to shape it and then rounded out the edge so that I didn't look like an old lampshade.

This style keeps the sun out of the sides of my eyes and has a ponytail hole. 😊

Graham says I look like I'm in an Agatha Christie programme.

12/04/2021

Look around you to find different drawing curves ✏

I'm working on the pocket patterns for and the corner of my .uk scotchtape dispenser is perfect for the corners of the flaps. 🙂

07/04/2021

Beginning to finalise the design for
I need to choose a style of cuff.
The zip should get here on Friday so I can work out the specs for the front placket.

02/04/2021

When you're developing a pattern that's multi-layered, sometimes you need to do a mini one first.

This zip closure is as confusing as bagging a jacket was the first few times.

29/03/2021

Zips can be proper mind-benders, especially when you have facings and extra bits like flaps involved.

The zip for the needed to be mocked up rather than worked out on paper.

I *think* I've got it. I was probably over-complicating it 😅

24/03/2021

The first pattern draft for is ready to print. It's going to be a raincoat because a) I need one, and b) it'll be a challenge.
This one definitely needs a toile.

17/03/2021

A quick tutorial on making a beanie hat :)

A tutorial on how to draft a sewing pattern for your beanie hat, and how to sew it.

16/03/2021

New post: Graham has a new sweatshirt!

Blog post about making a men's 100% cotton sweatshirt, from drafting the pattern to sewing. Plus, a bonus beanie hat!

14/03/2021

New post coming soon